J. William Whitaker’s Wilderness of Folly is an historical novel that explores multiple aspects of WWI.

The third in a series, set in 1915 France, the story follows several main characters: Robert d’Avillard, military head of railroads, as he investigates the logistics of defending Verdun before and during the famous battle; Robert’s beloved Sara Morozovski, who works with her father’s bank to help secure loans funding France’s war efforts and writes articles on economic issues; and Robert’s cousin Thomas, a priest tasked with helping soldiers heal from mental and spiritual trauma. Thomas brings in his lover Marie to assist with music therapy at a center for mentally traumatized soldiers.

The characters are fleshed out well, and although references are made to events in previous novels, no knowledge of them is needed.

Robert, despite his successes, is nervous about meeting Sara’s parents for the first time. Sara, a Socialist activist before the war, is initially reluctant to work for her father’s bank but soon finds it engaging and useful in her journalism work. Marie, physically and mentally injured in the war’s outbreak, finds comfort in performing for and teaching music to the recovering soldiers, while also negotiating her relationship with Thomas.

The author keeps tensions high, especially with continuing reports of a build-up of German military activity in Verdun before the battle. History lovers will appreciate the real-life figures who appear, although the character of General Petain, shown as confident and intelligent, differs from how he’s now remembered. That aside, the book is filled with well-researched, well-written details, particularly regarding military tactics, logistics support and finances.

Unfortunately, misspellings, missing quotation marks and words, and incorrect punctuation become grating, often interrupting the novel’s flow.

While the latter impedes enjoyment of the story, readers looking for a war novel with intriguing characters will find rewards in Wilderness of Folly.